Biography of George C. Fairclo

George C. Fairclo. Champaign County is rapidly becoming noted for the excellence of its roads, and at the present rate of progress will before long rank with the leading counties in the state in this direction. A number of years ago the people came to a realization of the fact that progress and prosperity, both in the country districts and in the cities and towns, depended largely upon the condition of the roads, but it has been only in comparatively recent years that steps have been taken to improve in the fullest degree the highways of this section. In this work one who has been and is very active is George C. Fairclo, who since December, 1913, has occupied the office of county superintendent of highways of Champaign County. A man of comprehensive training and broad experience, he has brought to his labors an energy and enthusiasm that have aided greatly in the accomplishment of big things, and some of his vim and spirit has been caught by the citizens, a number of whom have been awakened to existing conditions.

Mr. Fairclo is a product of the agricultural country of Illinois, having been born on a farm near Kingston in De Kalb County, May 13, 1877, his parents being Isaiah D. and Sarah E. (Parker) Fairclo. His father, a native of New Jersey, was a lad when he came from that State to Illinois, about 1850, and at that time located on a farm in De Kalb County. There he developed into a first-class agriculturist and developed a good property, accumulating at the same time a competence that allowed him to retire from active pursuits in 1896 and remove to Champaign, where his death occurred six years later. He was a Republican in politics, but did not take any active part in public matters, and he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Fairclo, who survives her husband, makes her home at Champaign. There were two children in the family: Elizabeth Temperance, who is the wife of Shields A. Elaine of Champaign; and George C.

George C. Fairclo attended the graded schools of Sycamore, Illinois, and in June, 1905, graduated from the high school there. He grew up” on the home farm, but it was not his intention to take up an agricultural career, as his inclinations ran in another direction, one which necessitated the securing of an advanced education. Shortly after he left high school he enrolled as a student of civil engineering at the University of Illinois, and graduated with his degree in 1902, but during this time, in order to pay his expenses, he worked three years in the service of the Illinois Central Railroad and for the Chicago-Wilmington-Vermilion Coal Company, in the capacity of engineer. After graduating from the university he worked for the Union Pacific Railroad from June, 1902, until September, 1903, at which latter date he was appointed city engineer of Urbana. He retained that office until May, 1905, when he became city engineer of Champaign, and remained as such until May, 1909. Mr. Fairclo then opened an office and engaged in private practice as a consulting engineer at Champaign, but in December, 1913, he was once again called into public service when elected county superintendent of highways for Champaign County. In discharging the duties of his position Mr. Fairclo has been conscientious and energetic. He has brought his wide experience to bear upon the problems facing his department in the improvement of highway conditions, and his achievements have undoubtedly proven an important factor in advancing the interests of the agricultural country, while at the same time contributing materially to the comfort and enjoyment of the motoring class, which has grown so greatly in numbers during recent years. Mr. Fairclo in his political affiliation is a Republican. He fraternizes with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and his religious connection is with the Presbyterian Church. His offices are located in the courthouse at Urbana.

Mr. Fairclo was married December 7, 1907, at Champaign, Illinois, to Miss Mabel Lindsay, who was born at Onarga, this state. They have no children.